I am an avid hunter and livejust southof the Albany area. I, myself have never observed a "big" cat but I do putalot of faith into theidea that they have been in this area. My father and I run coonhounds and venture into some remote areas and many farmers recently have without a doubt said they have seen these cats once or twice. One reputable-well respected farmer in schoharie county saw a cougar back in 1986 on his farm. I work in albany county and almost a dozen idividuals..mostly teachers that I work withhave seen cougars. this area of the Alcove watershed and big quarry areas of Albany countyhave been said to be holding these cats. One teacher had a mountain lion on her picnic table two years ago during the summer. Another teacher had her horse attacked and DEC played stupid. she is very adimit about that. Some local police officers have seen these cats in the Burne/westerlo/Albany county areas. Sitings have definitelyincreased in the last 10 years in Albany county. What i found ironic was many of the cats that have been spotted carried collars around there necks.